Menu

About Us

Chef Allen Hess

Chef/ Owner Allen Hess has fun plating his passion at Mai Grille. He brings skill and values built cooking with legendary Big Island chefs and in legendary Big Island kitchens. These include Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Grille, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel’s Canoe House, and Merriman’s Waimea. He leaves his mark with a bold and progressive take on regional cuisine.

Allen values local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers. Many are friends. After all, their passions support the slow food dishes for which Allen is best known. One story goes the idea for a “buttery beef” was born amidst friends and some beers in his Waimea backyard. He paid a buddy, who owned an orchard, to drop a truck full of “butter” avocados for the cows. The results were imaginably good, we are told. Never afraid to be creative, “I’m inspired by good food, food that’s fun, really flavorful, and visually appealing.”

Look for a modern and sophisticated spin on some local classics. “We are excited to take a familiar dish, and try new things with it.” Set in a light-filled, open & modern clubhouse, Allen feels good food shouldn’t be stuffy, “We’re inviting people to eat the way chefs like to eat, the way we eat in the industry, with lots of options to choose from.” Bring your crew and see you at the clubhouse!

Check out the “Nightmare” posts for added insight into Hawai’i Restaurant life.

Chef Allen Hess

Head Chef, Owner

In The News…

Click the image to read the complete article or watch the video.

Mai Grille is Open Every Day.

BREAKFAST – Daily Monday-Saturday 8 am – 10:30 am

BRUNCH – Sunday only, 7:30 am – 2:30 pm

LUNCH & KEIKI (Kid’s) – Daily Monday-Saturday 11 am – 3 pm

HAPPY HOUR – Daily 2 pm – 5 pm

DINNER – Thursday, Friday & Saturday 5 pm – 9 pm

Enjoy a pour of our Artisan Cocktails, Local Beer, or curated Wine List all day